Grubigstein

Grubigstein, above Lermoos in the Tyrolean Alps, is a genuinely all-round mountain at just under 2,000 m — its takeoffs cover nearly every wind direction, from north through east and south to northwest, and it's built for thermal, soaring and cross-country flying alike. Getting up is easy: a cable car plus two chairlifts take you straight to the top, with a one-way ticket (which also lets you ride back down if the day doesn't pan out) costing around €13. Which takeoff you use depends on the wind: launching into east or north wind straight off the ski slopes is the simplest option, while the south-facing takeoff is a different story — steep, technical, and with almost no room to run, so getting the wing up cleanly matters more than usual and can genuinely challenge some pilots depending on conditions. Down at the bottom, there's a good landing field right next to the parking area, marked with a windsock.

Launch & conditions

Multiple takeoffs covering nearly every wind direction; launching into east or north wind off the ski slopes is the easiest option, while the south-facing takeoff is steep and technical with almost no room to run.

Getting there & local rules

Reached by cable car plus two chairlifts to the top; a one-way ticket, which also covers riding back down without flying, costs around €13.

Local rules & hazards

The south-facing takeoff has almost no run-up room, so a clean, controlled launch matters — it can genuinely challenge some pilots depending on conditions. There's a good landing field with a windsock right next to the parking area.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Grubigstein, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Grubigstein with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.